INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM
It is a test of English Language proficiency. The University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations jointly manages it, the British Council and IDP.
There are two versions of the IELTS: The Academic Version and the General Version.
The Academic Version is intended for those who want to enrol in universities and other higher education institutions and for medical professionals and nurses who wish to study or practice.
The General Training Version is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or employment for immigration purposes.
IELTS is accepted by almost all Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and more than 1800 US academic institutions. It is the only acceptable English test for immigration to Australia and is also accepted by the UK and Canada.
The IELTS Test Structure
The IELTS test comprises four Modules – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Scores are reported in “bands” for the individual modules and the overall tests. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. In contrast, the Reading and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic or General Training Versions of the Test.
TOTAL TEST DURATION 2 HOURS 45 MINUTES.
The first three modules – Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) – are completed in one day with no break. The Speaking Module may be taken at the discretion of the test centre. It is generally administered on the day of the test or the following day.